How the Chancas arrived at the city of Cuzco and pitched their camp there, and of the terror of the inhabitants, and the great valour of Inca Yupanqui.

AFTER the Chancas had offered up sacrifices on the banks of the Apurimac and had arrived near the city of Cuzco, the Captain-General or lord who led them, named Hastu-Huaraca said that they should reflect on the great undertaking they had entered upon, that they should show themselves to be strong, and that they should feel no fear nor terror whatever of men who thought they could frighten people by making their ears such a size as these enemies did. He also told his followers that they would capture much spoil, and beautiful women with whom they could enjoy themselves. They replied cheerfully that they would do their duty.

As it was known in the city of Cuzco that the enemy was marching against it, and that neither Viracocha Inca nor his son Inca Urco had made any preparation to oppose them, the Orejones and principal people were much disturbed, and offered up great sacrifices according to their custom. They then agreed to ask Inca Yupanqui to take charge of the war, for the common safety. One of the most venerable took the matter in hand, and spoke in the name of the others. He replied that when his father wished to confer the fringe upon him, they would not consent, but insisted that his cowardly brother should be Inca. He himself had never pretended to the royal dignity through usurpation and contrary to the will of the people; and they should now do what was necessary for the public good, as they had seen that the Inca Urco was unfit for the post. The Orejones replied that, when the war was over, they would adopt such measures as were best for the government of the kingdom. It is said that they then sent messengers through the province, declaring that all who wished to come and be citizens of Cuzco, would be given lands in the valley, and would receive privileges; and so they came from many parts. This being done, the captain, Inca Yupanqui, came forth to the great square where was the stone of war, with the skin of a lion on his head, as a sign that he must be strong as is that animal.

At this time the Chancas had reached Vilca-cunga, and the Inca Yupanqui ordered all the men of war that were in Cuzco to be assembled, with the determination of marching out on the road. Those who appeared most resolute were appointed captains; but, on further consideration, he determined to wait in the city.

The Chancas continued to advance until they pitched their camp on the hill of Carmenca, which overlooks the city, and presently set up their tents. The people of Cuzco had made deep holes full of stones at the approaches to the city, and subtly covered them over on the top, so that those who walked that way might fall in. When the women and children of Cuzco saw the enemy, they were much afraid, and made a great noise. Inca Yupanqui sent messengers to Hastu Huaraca, proposing that there should be an agreement between them, to avoid the slaughter of the people. Hastu Huaraca was proud, and thought little of the embassy. He wanted simply to abide by the decision of battle; but to the importunate prayers of his relations and others, he yielded so far as to agree to a conference with the Inca, and in that sense he replied. The city is situated between hills, in a naturally strong position. The slopes and ridges were scarped, and in many parts sharp stakes of palm were fixed, which are as hard as iron, and more hurtful. The Inca and Hastu Huaraca had an interview, but, as both were ready to fight, it availed little, for being further excited by the words which they spoke to each other, at last they came to blows, at the same time shouting and making a great noise. For the men in that country make an exceeding great noise when they fight. They fought with each other for a long time and the night coming on, the Chancas remained in their tents, and those of the city were all round, watching in every direction, that the enemy might not enter. For neither Cuzco, nor the other towns in those parts, are surrounded by walls.

When the surprise was over, Hastu Huaraca encouraged his followers to be valorous in the fight, and the Inca Yupanqui did the same with the Orejones and the people who were in the city. The Chancas resolutely came forth from their camp with the intention of forcing an entry, and those of Cuzco were determined to defend the city. The battle was renewed, and many fell on either side; but such was the valour of Inca Yupanqui that he gained the victory, and nearly all the Chancas were killed. They say that very few more than five hundred escaped, and among them their captain Hastu Huaraca, who arrived with them at their own province but not without difficulty.[187] The Inca enjoyed the spoil, and got many captives, as well men as women.